And relieved England skipper Michael Vaughan believes that the 24-year-old Geordie can now go on to become an outstanding Test match bowler.

Harmison's match-changing four wickets for 33 in South Africa's second innings meant that he's certain to go on England's tour of Bangladesh and Sri Lanka this winter.

The England selectors were meeting today to put the final touches to the squad before an official announcement tomorrow.

"My emotions are running high," admitted a jubilant Harmison. "This was my best display for England and I'm delighted that I could help us to save the series."

The Ashington-born pace bowler has always possessed great natural ability but in the past he's been accused of a lack of accuracy.

However Vaughan, having seen the series levelled at 2-2, paid tribute to Harmison when he said: "He has all the attributes to be a real quality Test match bowler.

"He's tall, he's fast, and gets the ball to go away from the right hander when he gets it right, so it's really down to Steve and how far he wants his career to go.

"In everyone's career you have a moment that gives you the confidence to go on and perform at the highest level.

"To get Jacques Kallis and Gary Kirsten out on Sunday - two world class players - in a pressure situation will do his confidence no end of good.

"In a way I wish we had a Test match in a couple of weeks so Harmison could continue but we've got a break and then we're going to Bangladesh so I hope he continues in the same vein over there."

Yesterday the big Geordie continued his outstanding form removing dangerman Shaun Pollock for 43 and then having last man Makhaya Ntini caught superbly one-handed by a diving Ed Smith at short leg to record his best figures for England.

Harmison's coach at Durham Martyn Moxon also paid his own tribute.

He said: "Steve has come on an awful lot in the last 12 months,.

"He's added accuracy to his undoubted pace and if he continues to develop at the same rate he'll be a fine Test bowler for years to come.

"England coach Duncan Fletcher rates him highly, particularly his pace and ability to extract bounce from the pitch."

Unfortunately for Moxon England, who have Harmison under contract, have pulled the player out of Durham's county game against Gloucester which begins at Bristol tomorrow.

They have told Durham he needs to rest because "he's suffering from a few niggles."

Meanwhile, only two wins from their last two games, both against fellow promotion-chasing sides, will be enough for Durham to claim the third promotion spot in the championship's second division.

Yorkshire, 12.75 points ahead of the Riversiders, occupy third place with Glamorgan - the last visitors to the Riverside - and Gloucestershire also in the frame.